Joy Found Here

What if the key to raising a happy child isn't about fixing them, but healing yourself first?In this episode, I'm joined by Jess Arachchi, a child behavior and family dynamics specialist who challenges everything we think we know about parenting. With a background in social work, psychology, and yoga therapy, as well as a powerful personal story, Jess offers a radically compassionate and conscious approach to parenting that begins with one simple question: What if your happiness is the foundation for theirs?In this heart-opening conversation, Jess shares how her chaotic childhood shaped her desire to rewrite the story of family. Now a mother herself, she unpacks the unconscious beliefs we carry into parenthood and explains how they quietly influence our homes. From nervous system regulation to redefining what “success” means as a parent, she helps us shift our perspective from control and comparison to curiosity and connection. You’ll learn why parenting can become one of the most powerful personal development journeys you'll ever take, once you choose to embrace it.Tune in to episode 214 of Joy Found Here if you're ready to trade the daily chaos of motherhood for the uplifting experience of feeling seen, empowered, and more hopeful than ever.In This Episode, You Will Learn:Why Jess left social work: the critical questions the system isn’t asking (4:30)The moment Jess realized she was gathering proof that happy parents didn’t exist (9:10)How one documentary cracked her open and changed her life trajectory (19:10)The “dot-to-dot” method Jess uses to help parents break through freeze mode (24:10)Why meeting your own needs first isn’t selfish—it’s foundational (30:40)The secret to seeing beyond your child’s behavior and into their nervous system (46:40)Connect with Jess Arachchi:WebsiteInstagramYouTubeFacebookLet’s Connect:WebsiteInstagram

When her dream job stopped bringing joy, Lauren Hale picked up a $5 ring light—and sparked a movement helping women embrace aging with confidence.In today's episode, I’m joined by Lauren Hale, a beauty educator, digital creator, and the author of Girl, Put On Your Lipstick, the World Needs You. After spending years as a kindergarten teacher and full-time mom, Lauren made a bold midlife pivot into the beauty industry. In her 40s, she began building an online platform dedicated to empowering women to embrace aging with confidence and authenticity. Known for her real-talk makeup tutorials, filter-free content, and emotionally resonant storytelling, Lauren helps women rediscover themselves—one brushstroke at a time. Through her writing, videos, and thriving online community, she encourages others to rewrite their narratives, embrace imperfection, and find joy in every season of life.Throughout this episode, Lauren shares the deeper journey behind her transformation. She opens up about the emotional toll of people-pleasing, the identity loss that came with motherhood, and the moment she realized that joy had quietly slipped away. What began as a creative outlet—doing makeup for friends—quickly turned into a mission to help women reconnect with their inner worth through simple self-care rituals. Her reflections on aging, authenticity in a filtered world, and redefining purpose beyond traditional roles speak to so many navigating similar transitions. Lauren also discusses the reality of building a meaningful presence online, including the challenges of imposter syndrome, performance pressure, and staying true to yourself in a monetized space. Her vulnerability and insight throughout this conversation are both deeply relatable and profoundly empowering.Tune in to episode 213 of Joy Found Here as Lauren Hale shares how rediscovering her passion for beauty in midlife helped her transform burnout into purpose. Her story offers inspiration for any woman ready to pivot, reclaim her identity, and build something meaningful on her own terms.In This Episode, You Will Learn:Losing herself in motherhood and the 9–5 grind (3:00)Discovering a new joy through makeup (6:30)Showing up online at 40—with fear and filters (8:00)Beauty as a gateway to inner confidence (10:40)Writing her book: Giving Women Permission to Be Seen (11:30)Motherhood, guilt, and the power of prioritizing yourself (14:30)The healing power of female community—even online (21:00)Letting go of people-pleasing and embracing authenticity (29:30)The truth about becoming a paid creator (36:00)Imperfect starts and what it really takes to begin (41:30)Connect with Lauren Hale:WebsiteInstagramPinterestYouTubeTikTokFacebookLet's Connect:WebsiteInstagram

If you’ve ever felt torn between career ambition and being present for your family, this episode offers the empowering perspective shift you didn’t know you needed.In today's episode, I’m joined by Kym Insana, a seasoned digital marketing expert and the founder of Always On Digital, a women-owned advertising agency that partners with both major brands and boutique businesses to execute impactful campaigns. With over 20 years of industry experience, Kym has worked with top-tier clients like Enfamil, Johnston & Murphy, and Good American. After a successful career in New York City media sales, Kym left the corporate world to create a business that values flexibility, family, and performance equally. A mother of four boys and a strong advocate for work-life integration, she’s passionate about empowering women to reclaim agency in their professional lives. Kym lives in Long Island, NY, where she balances running her company with cheering from the sidelines of her sons' baseball games. She’s also active on LinkedIn and always open to connecting with like-minded professionals.Throughout this episode, Kym brings authenticity, clarity, and seasoned expertise to the conversation. She shares her evolution from a young, career-driven sales professional to a mother of four who built a thriving digital marketing agency on her own terms. Kym recounts how she was years ahead of the flexible work trend, advocating for job sharing and remote work well before COVID made it mainstream. She speaks candidly about the challenges of balancing motherhood and career, the need to let go of perfectionism, and the importance of giving oneself grace. Kym also discusses trends in digital advertising, from the rise of connected TV to social media strategy, and offers advice for women navigating career transitions or layoffs. Her honesty, humor, and practical wisdom make her a compelling guest whose story resonates across generations.Tune in to episode 112 of Joy Found Here as Kym Insana shares how building a flexible, purpose-driven business helped her find success and balance. Discover insights for women seeking freedom, fulfillment, and a new way to work.In This Episode, You Will Learn:Motherhood in phases: Four kids, four eras (4:00)Letting go of perfectionism (5:40)The career breaking point (8:00)Trailblazing remote work before it was a thing (10:30)Building AlwaysOn Digital from the ground up (15:00)Digital marketing trends and TV’s streaming takeover (16:50)Redefining success and giving yourself grace (23:00)Bringing family into the business (28:00)Working with her husband and still liking him (30:00)How to pivot: Advice for women facing layoffs or burnout (37:30)Finding your lane in the digital world (39:30)Connect with Kym Insana:WebsiteKym’s profileLinkedInXLet's Connect:WebsiteInstagram

If you’ve ever felt trapped in a cycle of food guilt and failed plans, this episode offers the most liberating shift you didn’t know you needed.In today's episode, I’m joined by Susie Kundrat, a registered dietitian nutritionist, health coach, and the author of Eat, Move, Groove: Unlock the Simple Steps to Lifelong Nutrition, Fitness and Wellness. With over 30 years of experience in sports nutrition and higher education, she has worked with everyone from Olympic athletes to everyday individuals seeking to live healthier lives. Susie is passionate about simplifying wellness through inclusive, evidence-based strategies that empower people to feel strong and confident at every age. Her signature 22/11 approach combines manageable daily movement with nutrition rooted in real, accessible foods. She now travels across the U.S. with her wife, Audrey, co-leading the Eat Move Groove Wellness Tour and promoting joyful, sustainable self-care.Throughout this episode, Susie brings refreshing insight and practicality to the conversation as she shares the intention and science behind the Eat, Move, Groove framework. She emphasizes that well-being can—and should—be simple, inclusive, and joy-centered, free from guilt or rigid rules. Drawing from her decades of experience, she introduces the 22/11 method in greater detail: 22 minutes of movement and 11 minutes of strength training daily, paired with a flexible, nutrient-rich meal structure. She also unpacks the emotional toll of diet culture, her passion for helping women break free from it, and the importance of listening to your body rather than adhering to one-size-fits-all advice. Her presence on the podcast felt like receiving a permission slip to care for yourself with grace, strength, and sustainability.Tune in to episode 211 of Joy Found Here as Susie Kundrat shares how simple, science-backed habits around food, movement, and self-care can help you feel stronger and more energized. Learn how her 22/11 method supports lasting wellness without guilt or pressure.In This Episode, You Will Learn:Why Simplicity and inclusivity matter in wellness (3:16)The origins of the “Eat, Move, Groove” method (7:19)Breaking down the 22/11 formula for eating (8:37)Movement without the pressure: How to enjoy being active (14:58)Easy strength training for real life (21:47)Consistency over perfection: The two-minute miracle (27:27)Living the lifestyle on the road (29:01)Rethinking diabetes, labels, and food guilt (34:02)Connect with Susie Kundrat:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedInYouTubeGet Susie’s books!Let's Connect:WebsiteInstagram

If you’ve ever felt like joy is just out of reach, this episode will challenge everything you thought you knew—revealing how meaningful effort, not ease, might be the key to lasting fulfillment.In today's episode, I’m joined by Janet Ettele, a novelist, meditation practitioner, and devoted student of Buddhist philosophy whose mission is to bring timeless spiritual teachings to life through accessible, story-driven fiction. She is the author of a four-book series inspired by the six perfections of Buddhism, with her latest release, How Joyous Effort Works: The Energy to Benefit Others, featuring a foreword by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Janet’s writing blends insight and emotional depth, drawing from her background as a trained musician and Berklee College of Music graduate to create prose that is both lyrical and grounded. Her journey into Buddhism began at a Tibetan monastery just five miles from her home in Connecticut, where she continues to live, write, and teach with quiet dedication.Throughout this episode, Janet brings these influences to life, offering a grounded yet inspiring perspective on joy, effort, and spiritual growth. She shares how the teachings of Shantideva and her connection with Tibetan monks shaped both her personal evolution and the character arc of Troy, the protagonist of her series. Their parallel journeys reveal how challenges can become turning points when met with mindfulness and compassion. Janet’s reflections on meditation, silence, and intentional action illustrate how spiritual practice translates into everyday life. With warmth and clarity, she reminds us that lasting joy doesn’t come from striving for perfection, but from showing up—consistently, consciously, and with an open heart.Tune in to episode 210 of Joy Found Here as Janet Ettele shares how Buddhist wisdom, storytelling, and intentional effort can lead to inner peace and purposeful living. Learn how meditation and spiritual practice bring more clarity, joy, and connection.In This Episode, You Will Learn:The roots of Joyous Effort (3:35)From silence to spiritual seeking (6:23)Music, poetry, and the first steps toward Dharma (9:30)Finding her teacher—Just five miles away (11:20)What Joyous Effort really means (16:41)Compassion over judgment (19:15)From the Dalai Lama to DIY publishing (22:48)Building a daily practice with coffee (31:11)The unexpected joy of grandparenthood (34:34)Life is a patchwork, not a tapestry (38:49)A tribute to Aunt Gertrude (39:39)Connect with Janet Ettele:WebsiteInstagramFacebookXSpotifyLet's Connect:WebsiteInstagram

If you’ve ever felt “too emotional” or out of place in a noisy world, this conversation will show you why your sensitivity isn’t a flaw—it’s the key to your power.In today's episode, I’m joined by Karen Blaine, a published author, certified hypnotherapist, and emotional wellness advocate devoted to helping others embrace their true selves. Drawing on her expertise in conversational hypnotherapy and her deep knowledge of frameworks like Myers-Briggs and astrology, Karen supports individuals in reframing limiting beliefs and tapping into their emotional strengths. She is the founder of EternalEmpath.com, a resource hub that blends intuition, mindfulness, and spiritual insight tailored to highly sensitive people. As the author of seven books on topics ranging from self-discovery to dream analysis and emotional healing, Karen’s work offers both practical tools and heartfelt encouragement. Her mission is to show that sensitivity is not a flaw—but a gateway to deeper connection, strength, and authenticity.Throughout this episode, Karen brings this mission to life with warmth and insight, sharing her own journey as a highly sensitive person and empath. She reflects on how redefining her emotional depth as a superpower transformed her relationship with herself and others. Karen introduces the practice of conversational hypnotherapy as a gentle but effective path to healing, while also offering practical tools like visualization, self-affirmations, and mindfulness. Her candid stories about navigating boundaries, reframing negative self-talk, and healing from childhood conditioning are deeply relatable and affirming. Throughout the episode, Karen invites listeners to trust their intuition, embrace their authenticity, and remember that they are never alone in their personal growth journey.Tune in to episode 209 as Karen Blaine shares how embracing sensitivity, setting boundaries, and tuning into your intuition can lead to healing and empowerment. Learn how mindfulness and self-acceptance help you reconnect with your true self and know you’re not alone.In This Episode, You Will Learn:Embracing sensitivity: From struggle to superpower (2:32)Understanding the empath experience (4:31)Emotional shielding and boundaries in overwhelming spaces (5:50)Reframing overwhelm and shifting to gratitude (7:10)Releasing the need for external validation (11:04)Her books and the power of self-discovery (13:40)Healing generational wounds with compassion (20:59)Owning your superpower through mindfulness and authenticity (32:47)Demystifying conversational hypnotherapy (39:41)Intuition, earth grounding, and staying centered (46:09)Connect with Karen Blaine:WebsiteInstagramLinkedInFacebookXYouTubeTikTokLet's Connect:WebsiteInstagram

What if the fear holding you back isn’t real—but a story your mind keeps replaying from the past? This episode will make you question everything you’ve believed about safety, self-worth, and the patterns you never chose.In today's episode, I’m joined by Karen Bartholomew, a transformational coach and the founder of The Pause Method—a philosophy designed to help women and leaders slow down, reflect intentionally, and take aligned action. With over 14 years of experience, Karen guides clients through deeply rooted beliefs that limit growth, helping them reframe their stories and step into their full potential. Her coaching emphasizes emotional healing, mindset shifts, and self-worth, empowering individuals to live with clarity, purpose, and peace. A mother of three and an advocate for women’s leadership, Karen draws from her own powerful journey through adversity and reinvention. She facilitates retreats, offers one-on-one coaching, and creates safe, supportive spaces for meaningful transformation. Her work is rooted in the belief that true success begins with inner freedom and self-acceptance.Throughout this episode, Karen brings this philosophy to life with remarkable depth, vulnerability, and clarity. She openly shares her personal struggles with self-worth and the internal beliefs that once held her back—like the notion that she didn’t matter—and how consciously challenging those stories transformed her life. Through her own lived experiences, Karen illustrates the power of The Pause Method, showing how intentional reflection can interrupt old patterns and make space for new, empowered choices. She offers practical, real-life examples of how she applies this work in parenting, self-care, and relationships. Her grounded wisdom and compassionate presence make this episode both inspiring and actionable, encouraging listeners to reclaim their freedom through awareness, curiosity, and aligned action.Tune in to episode 208 of Joy Found Here as Karen Bartholomew shares how The Pause Method helps break free from limiting beliefs through reflection, mindset shifts, and aligned action. Learn how a simple pause can create space for healing, clarity, and lasting change.In This Episode, You Will Learn:Childhood conditioning and the “I don’t matter” belief (3:00)Surviving divorce, bankruptcy, and single motherhood (5:30)The first steps toward healing and why it didn’t stick (7:00)Dissecting triggers: Where the real work begins (8:20)Parenting, control, and letting kids fall (11:00)Rewiring subconscious beliefs around safety (14:00)The power of the pause: From thought to transformation (16:15)Timeline journaling: Spotting life patterns (22:33)Reclaiming control by separating fact from fiction (24:30)Practicing the pause in daily life (31:00)Real freedom requires repetition (39:30)Connect with Karen Bartholomew:WebsiteInstagramApply for Karen’s coaching!Let's Connect:WebsiteInstagram

Discover how a moment of quiet desperation sparked a simple practice that’s now helping people around the world find clarity, connection, and hope—one question at a time.In today's episode, I’m joined by Anne Barry Jolles, the founder and creator of Grace Trail®—a transformative life practice designed to help people navigate challenges through five simple but powerful questions. A professional coach, TEDx speaker, and award-winning author, Anne first developed the concept in 2000 during a personal crisis. Since then, she has expanded Grace Trail into a nationwide movement with public installations, interactive kits, and programs for individuals, schools, hospitals, and corporations. Her work has guided thousands toward resilience, hope, and clarity. Rooted in compassion, nature, and authentic connection, Anne’s mission is to make grace accessible to everyone, everywhere.Throughout this episode, Anne brings warmth, vulnerability, and profound insight as she shares how Grace Trail evolved into a deeply healing practice for individuals from all walks of life. She breaks down the meaning behind each letter in the GRACE acronym—Gratitude, Release, Acceptance, Challenge, and Embrace—and explains how asking these questions can help shift perspective and restore hope. Anne also explores the role of nature in amplifying the trail’s impact and highlights the power of simply being present and listening without judgment. Her stories—from walking the trail with cancer patients to designing large-scale community activations—reveal the universal need for reflection and self-compassion. Whether taken on a walk, practiced at a desk, or explored in a group, Anne invites everyone to take that first step toward inviting grace into their lives.Tune in to episode 207 of Joy Found Here as Anne Barry Jolles shares how the Grace Trail® can help you find your footing in life’s toughest moments—through five simple questions that lead to clarity, connection, and hope. Discover how grace, nature, and curiosity can guide you back to yourself, one powerful step at a time.In This Episode, You Will Learn:The moment Grace Trail was born (4:01)The five Grace Trail questions explained (5:20)Grace in marriage: Walking through pain together (6:30)Building the first Grace Trail in Plymouth, MA (7:43)Grace Trails across the country (8:45)What is grace, really? (11:25)Nature as a conduit for clarity (13:47)The prayer bench that speaks back (14:40)Bringing grace to 11,000 women (24:14)Adapting grace trail for events and teams (25:57)Grace Trail kits and creative applications (29:16)Redefining self-care: Stay home, slow down (35:49)Daily rituals that invite grace (39:03)Final invitation: Grace is waiting (41:00)Connect with Anne Barry Jolles:WebsiteFacebookLinkedInXYouTubeGet Anne’s book!Let's Connect:WebsiteInstagram

For years, Nicole Van Valen was told soft skills didn’t matter—now she’s helping top leaders rewrite the rules on resilience, burnout, and what it really takes to thrive in today’s workplace.In today's episode, I’m joined by Nicole Van Valen, a licensed marriage and family therapist, behavioral health expert, and founder of Keane Insights—a consultancy dedicated to resilience, leadership, and joyful living. With over 25 years of experience spanning healthcare and human resources, including leadership roles at Fortune 6 companies, Nicole combines deep clinical insight with real-world corporate strategy. She’s also a dynamic speaker, coach, and the author of The Joyful Leader, a forthcoming book that explores how joy can be a transformative force for managing stress, preventing burnout, and leading with authenticity. Known for her uplifting energy and grounded wisdom, Nicole is on a mission to help people reconnect with their purpose and lead from a place of heart and intention.Throughout this episode, Nicole brings both personal depth and professional clarity to the topic of joy as a resilience practice. She opens up about her own journey—overcoming workaholism, learning to slow down, and rediscovering joy in everyday rituals like dancing, gardening, and quiet tea breaks. Nicole also walks us through her signature “three-step model” (Discover Yourself, Design Your Landscape, Deliver on Your Goals), offering listeners a practical framework for meaningful change. Along the way, she shares behind-the-scenes moments from writing The Joyful Leader, including how she confronted her own discomfort with vulnerability to embrace joy as her leadership superpower. Through heartfelt anecdotes and actionable insights, Nicole invites us to not only reflect on what truly brings us joy—but to prioritize it, unapologetically.Tune in as Nicole Van Valen shares how joy became her secret weapon for building resilience, setting boundaries, and leading with authenticity—plus how you can rediscover what energizes you and turn it into lasting transformation.In This Episode, You Will Learn:Resilience reimagined: Dancing, HR, and climbing the corporate ladder (3:44)Redefining resilience through joy (5:32)Burnout, boundaries, and the joy of saying ‘no’ (10:00)The three-step model for sustainable joy (13:27)Leading with joy at work - Yes, even in corporate! (18:21)The book she was scared to write (19:46)“We’re all just people”: The human side of leadership (24:35)AI can’t replace this: Why human connection is the true high-value currency (27:26)The resilience menu: Why one size doesn’t fit all (33:11)Your personalized joy plan starts now (42:41)Connect with Nicole Van Valen:WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedInXYouTubeGet Nicole’s book!Let's Connect:WebsiteInstagram